Waterbury, CT-Robert A. Jegela of Waterbury, CT, age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, January 6th, 2024 at St. Marys Hospital following a long fought illness. He spent his final moments with his wife Doris, who faithfully cared for him. In true Robert fashion, he continued to make jokes with his family and poked fun at the nurses taking care of him, who of course found him hysterical. Born in Waterbury, CT on April 12, 1946, he was predeceased by his parents Albert Jegela and Alyce (Collette) Jegela. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Doris (Descoteaux Laliberte) Jegela of Waterbury, CT. He was the proud father to Jodi-Joy (Jegela) OKeefe and her husband Matthew OKeefe of Franklin, MA and Kimberley (Jegela) Borgida and her husband Steven Borgida of Norton, MA. He was also a devoted step-father to J.R. Laliberte and his wife Lu Laliberte of Middlebury, CT; Michele Leach of Wolcott, CT; and Lisa Fekete and her husband Robert Fekete of Watertown, CT. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Tim OKeefe, Katie OKeefe, Chloe Borgida, Calvin Borgida, Pam Laliberte, Dawn Laliberte, Vinny Laliberte, Simon Laliberte, Jennifer Pelletier, Jeffrey Pelletier, Paige Fekete, and Dylan Fekete. Robert also leaves behind his brother Raymond Jagela of Southington, CT and seven great grandchildren, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his wife Sheila J. (Gahan) Jegela. Robert was born and raised in Waterbury, CT. He attended local schools and attended Watertown High School through his enlistment into the US Navy, class of 1964. Robert fought in the Vietnam War from 1964; he earned the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, and the National Defense Service Medal. Robert served honorably in the Navy, receiving the rank of Boatswains Mate Third Class (BM3). Following his service in the US Navy, he attended Post College, receiving his Associates Degree in Science in May of 1978. Robert worked for the city of Waterbury for his professional life. He made a name for himself in the tag sale world: Honest Bob, hosting and attending garage sales. He enjoyed this time in his life immensely, working alongside his wife Doris. Robert was the life of a party. He was a jokester, making sure the oldest to youngest in the room were full of laughter. He taught his children and grandchildren many life lessons, but most importantly how to make a scotch with a splash of water and how to save the lemon wedges in order to keep track of how many drinks we had. His family and friends will miss him so dearly for his humor, sayings, wisdom (especially domestic life-lessons, "Mr. Safety" was another nickname,) but importantly for the colorful character he was. Things quite simply will never be the same without him. The family will hold a public wake at 5:00 on Wednesday, January 10th, at Woodtick Memorial, 420 Woodtick Rd, Wolcott, CT 06716. There will be private funeral services for immediate family at another time. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to The American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation. Services Visitation Wednesday January 10, 2024 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Woodtick Memorial 420 Woodtick Rd